Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has condemned the detention of Nollywood actress and politician Doris Ogala following her arraignment over allegations involving prominent cleric Pastor Chris Okafor, accusing Nigerian law enforcement authorities of using cybercrime legislation to intimidate individuals and protect influential personalities.
Sowore's criticism followed proceedings at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, where Justice Akintayo Aluko ordered Ogala's remand pending the hearing of her bail application. The actress, who is also the African Action Congress governorship candidate in Abia State, pleaded not guilty to allegations involving cyberstalking, cyberbullying and attempted extortion.
Reacting in a Facebook statement reported on Thursday, October 29, Sowore questioned the involvement of the Nigeria Police Force in a dispute arising from an alleged romantic relationship between Ogala and Okafor. He argued that criminal justice institutions should not become instruments for resolving personal disagreements on behalf of powerful individuals.
“Once again, the Nigeria Police Force has deepened its weaponization of the Cybercrimes Act!” Sowore declared, expressing concern about what he described as the growing use of criminal proceedings against citizens involved in disputes with influential personalities.
He questioned why allegations connected with a personal relationship had resulted in prosecution before a Federal High Court. Sowore also raised concerns about judicial impartiality, suggesting that the circumstances could undermine public confidence in the independence of the courts.
“The Nigeria Police Force has no business turning private relationships into criminal prosecutions or deploying the Cybercrimes Act as a weapon of intimidation,” he stated.
His criticism extended to the judiciary, which he urged to resist any appearance of religious influence or personal retaliation. However, Sowore's allegations of institutional abuse have not been established by an independent investigation or judicial finding.
The criminal proceedings followed charges brought by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. Prosecuting counsel Tolulope Mokolu alleged that Ogala published intimate photographs of Pastor Okafor on social media without his consent between September 2024 and March 2026.
According to the prosecution, the alleged publication exposed the cleric to embarrassment, emotional distress and reputational harm. Prosecutors further accused the actress of disseminating electronic messages, videos and recordings containing information she allegedly knew to be false.
The prosecution also alleged that Ogala threatened to continue publishing intimate or damaging material unless Okafor compensated her financially or purchased a house for her.
The allegations concern specific conduct that prosecutors contend constitutes offences under Nigeria's Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. They have not been proved, and Ogala remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Court reports differ on the number of charges presented. The Punch and Nigerian Tribune reported three counts, while TheCable and other publications described four. Without an independently examined copy of the charge sheet, the precise count remains unresolved.
There are also conflicting reports about the correctional facility designated for Ogala's detention. The Punch and Vanguard identified Kirikiri Correctional Centre, while TheCable and QEDNG reported Ikoyi Correctional Centre. Both accounts agree that Justice Aluko ordered her remand pending consideration of bail.
During Wednesday's proceedings, Mokolu requested that the court remand the defendant and fix a trial date. He explained that the prosecution had only recently received Ogala's bail application and required time to examine it before filing a response.
Defence counsel N. C. Atulomah opposed the request for continued detention, arguing that the court possessed the discretion to release his client. He assured the judge that Ogala would attend subsequent proceedings and referred to her political candidacy.
Justice Aluko declined to grant immediate release, ruling that the defence had not presented sufficient grounds at that stage. He nevertheless directed that the bail application receive accelerated consideration and adjourned the matter until Friday, October 30.
The remand order was an interim procedural decision rather than a conviction. The court has not determined whether the prosecution can establish the alleged offences beyond reasonable doubt.
Reports indicated that proceedings became tense after the ruling when Ogala insisted on addressing the court. She alleged that government power was being used against her and attempted to explain the personal circumstances surrounding the dispute.
The confrontation attracted further attention because of Ogala's longstanding public disagreement with Okafor, founder of Grace Nation Ministry. Their dispute became widely publicised in December 2025 after the actress alleged that the cleric had failed to fulfil a promise of marriage.
Ogala claimed that their relationship began in 2017 and subsequently made allegations concerning emotional and financial harm. Those claims form part of her public account and should not be treated as independently established findings.
The actress was previously arrested in December 2025 following the dispute. Her latest arraignment represents a further development in legal proceedings arising from allegations concerning online publications and communications.
Sowore's intervention has also received support from the African Action Congress, which criticised the remand of its Abia governorship candidate. In a statement issued on October 28, the party accused authorities of using cybercrime legislation to intimidate political opponents.
The statement, signed by National Publicity Secretary Rex Elanu, called for respect for Ogala's constitutional rights and an impartial examination of allegations concerning political interference. The party acknowledged that claims of such interference would require investigation.
The AAC also demanded broader reforms to prevent the alleged misuse of criminal justice institutions. Its position reflects continuing debate over the balance between protecting people from online harassment and safeguarding freedom of expression.
Nigeria's Cybercrimes Act provides legal mechanisms for addressing certain forms of electronic harassment and unlawful communications. However, its application has generated criticism from civil society organisations concerned about the possibility of disproportionate enforcement.
At the same time, allegations involving the non-consensual publication of intimate images and threats to obtain property raise distinct questions about privacy, personal safety and criminal responsibility. A previous relationship between the parties would not automatically exclude the possibility of an offence.
The central issue before the court is therefore whether prosecutors can prove the specific conduct alleged and establish that it satisfies the relevant statutory requirements.
Sowore's criticism raises legitimate questions for public debate about due process and institutional accountability, but it does not invalidate the charges or establish that police officers and judicial officials acted improperly.
Likewise, the existence of a criminal prosecution does not demonstrate Ogala's guilt. The court must consider the evidence and legal arguments independently, without allowing political pressure or public controversy to determine the outcome.
Attention now turns to the October 30 bail hearing, when the court is expected to consider whether Ogala should remain in custody while the proceedings continue.
For Sowore and the AAC, the case has become a test of civil liberties and the proper application of cybercrime legislation. For the prosecution, it concerns allegations of unlawful electronic communications and attempted extortion.
The outcome will depend on the judicial process, with the immediate question being whether the actress will secure bail pending trial.
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